The New York Giants have given Jason Pierre-Paul their franchise tag. News of the deal was originally reported by Pro Football Focus. The franchise tag contains with it $14.7 million in guaranteed money.
Per source, Giants apply franchise tag to DE Jason Pierre-Paul.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 27, 2017
New York Giants Franchise Tag Jason Pierre-Paul
Pierre-Paul played only 12 games last season due to a groin injury he suffered against the Pittsburg Steelers in their Week 13 matchup. He recorded 7.0 sacks, 53 tackles, and three forced fumbles. He played the opposite side of Olivier Vernon, forming one of the more formidable defensive lines in the NFL.
Pierre-Paul returned to action towards the end of the 2015 season. It took some time, but by the last few games, he looked to be getting back into form. Last season, he showed what he is capable of even with seven and a half fingers. There are times when it is noticeable that his fingers hurt his play, but for the most part he has regained his dominant form. Although he only played 12 games, he was starting to play at an elite level up until his injury. He has just turned 28, so Pierre-Paul is just hitting his prime now.
Before this season, Pierre-Paul signed a one year $10.5 million deal. This deal was heavily incentive based due to the fact he was fresh off his firework injury.
Over his seven-year career with the Giants, he has amassed 365 tackles, 50.0 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 42 pass defenses. He has made it his trademark to bat down many passes at the line of scrimmage.
The Florida native attended the University of South Florida for his junior season. This was after he had attended schools in both California and Kansas. In his junior season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 45 tackles (16.5 for a loss). He was named First Team All- American and First Team Big East in 2009. The New York Giants selected Jason Pierre-Paul with the 15th pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
